Most of Shanghai's university students are willing to start their own business, according to a recent survey by East China Normal University of 540 four-year students in eight local universities and colleges.

Majors of the students include finance, computer, arts and Chinese.

About 78 percent, or 419, of the respondents in the survey said they would consider starting a business of their own.

One-tenth of the 419 students said they would start their career during their university study, while two-tenths said they would do so right after graduation.  Another half would start a business after several years' work for other companies to accumulate work experience.

Most students favor teaming up to run a business, as 298, or 71 percent, of the 419 students said they would start a business with friends, while some 20 percent said they would find partners through public recruitment. Only 35, or 8 percent, said they would go it alone.

As for business sectors, information technology, public services and community services are favorites with the students, with 20 percent of the 419 respondents opting for one of these areas. Almost none of the students were interested in the sectors of transport, postal and telecom, education or broadcasting.

Lack of capital seems the biggest obstacle for the potential entrepreneurs, the survey showed, as about 40 percent said they don't have enough money to run a business of their own.

Another 30 percent cited limited social relationships as an obstacle, while some others said pride as an academic elite has prevented them from starting a business.

However, university job instructors seem satisfied with the results of the survey and hope more students will take concrete action to carry out their entrepreneurial dreams, the Shanghai Evening News said.

"In fact, university students can benefit from many favorable measures by the city government related to taxes and fees when starting a business," said a teacher surnamed Li with ECNU's youth league commission.

The measures are aimed at encouraging more start-ups, he said, urging students to take a closer look at the measures before starting their own business.